CASA Launches Future-Focused Aviation Roadmap — And It’s a Game-Changer for Australia’s AAM Certification Across Borders.

 A major milestone has landed for Australia’s aviation industry –  Future-Focused Aviation Roadmap.

On 17 June 2025, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) released the updated Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap. This release, announced at the AAUS – Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems RPAS in Australian Skies Conference, signals a turning point for the drone and emerging aviation sectors.

This is more than a domestic update. It’s an international commitment to collaboration.

The roadmap, developed in partnership with regulators from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Canada, introduces a global framework to streamline certification processes across borders. That means faster type acceptance, clearer export pathways for Australian manufacturers, and accelerated rollout of next-gen AAM technologies.

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), innovators, and aviation professionals, this is a landmark moment. And for us at Hover UAV, it’s a welcome leap forward in building a more connected, future-ready RPAS and AAM industry.

The Future-Focused Aviation Roadmap Explained

Originally released in 2022, CASA’s roadmap sets out how new aviation technologies—like RPAS and electric air taxis—will be safely integrated into Australian airspace. The newly updated version reflects ongoing industry engagement and evolving global standards. It supports the federal government’s Aviation White Paper: Towards 2050, aligning national policy with fast-moving innovation in aerospace.

The roadmap is structured across four timeframes: from immediate initiatives already underway to long-term goals reaching into the 2030s and beyond. These timelines cover certification, operations, airspace integration, training, infrastructure, and safety.

But what makes this roadmap particularly powerful is its global alignment.

Why International Cooperation Matters – Future-Focused Aviation Roadmap

As highlighted by industry leaders at the AAUS conference, the joint commitment from global aviation regulators to support mutual recognition of aircraft certification is groundbreaking.

By launching the International Roadmap for AAM Certification Across Borders, CASA and its partner authorities aim to remove one of the biggest roadblocks facing emerging aircraft manufacturers: redundant and time-consuming regulatory approvals in each individual country.

Now, if an aircraft is approved in one of the participating countries, it may be eligible for fast-tracked recognition in others, cutting red tape, speeding up entry to market, and unlocking international growth.

This move will supercharge Australia’s position in the global AAM ecosystem, especially for startups and OEMs building world-leading platforms here at home. It opens doors not only for more agile adoption within Australia but also for scalable export potential across major aviation markets.

A Safer, Smarter, More Scalable Future

Alongside its international dimension, the roadmap lays a robust foundation for domestic operations. CASA’s plan identifies six core focus areas to ensure the safe and inclusive integration of RPAS and AAM technologies.

It addresses aircraft certification and safety, airspace access through UTM (Uncrewed Traffic Management), operational approvals, physical infrastructure such as vertiports, workforce training, and cybersecurity.

The roadmap also reflects CASA’s continued commitment to community engagement. Public trust and social licence are central themes. Building a safe and inclusive aviation ecosystem means listening to communities, understanding their concerns, and ensuring transparency in how new technologies are introduced.

This is key for long-term industry acceptance—and for proving that innovation and safety can go hand-in-hand.

What This Means for Industry and Operators

It gives structure to what can often feel like a moving regulatory landscape. It shows us what’s coming, what CASA is prioritising, and how the sector can align strategically.  It also sends a strong signal to the global industry that Australia is serious about leading in advanced aviation.

Hover UAVs Take – Future-Focused Aviation Roadmap

At Hover UAV, we’ve long advocated for regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation without compromising safety. CASA’s updated roadmap—particularly the new international certification framework—delivers exactly that.

This roadmap supports operators today while laying the groundwork for the technologies of tomorrow. And for our clients, it brings more opportunities to scale, automate, and expand operations—locally and globally.

Want to Learn More?

You can explore the full roadmap for AAM certification details here:
👉 https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/roadmap-for-advanced-air-mobility-aircraft-type-certification.pdf

If you require any assistance with your RPAS program, please do not hesitate to contact Hover UAV for guidance or assistance.